Coach Vital Heynen and volleyball player Dirk Westphal in the press room of the Berlin smart Grand Slam

Berlin, Germany, June 20, 2014 – The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Berlin smart Grand Slam had some important guests on Thursday. The coach of the German national volleyball team and one of his players came to support their counterparts on the sand.

The German national volleyball team is playing Argentina on Friday and Saturday in the FIVB World League. The matches are in the Max Schmelinghalle, just five kilometres from the beach volleyball arena at Washingtonplatz.

Both national coach Vital Heynen and wing spiker Dirk Westphal are very familiar with and fans of the beach game.

“I was the coach of the Belgian women for three years on the World Tour and I really liked it”, said Heynen. “I have learned a lot in beach volleyball.”

“The big difference is not on, but off the court. Volleyball players are a bit spoiled. Beach volleyball players have to work hard. We used to practice with the Belgian girls as early as 8:00. When I would even suggest this to my men…“

Spiker Westphal was part of the German beach tour for two years and played a country quota match for the World Tour in Berlin once.

“My fingers are itching, when I see them play. Look at the centre court, look at this location, that’s amazing. Beach volleyball has given me a lot, it helped me better my play a lot. I am glad I got to experience this.”

Coach Heynen said it was going to be a tough match for his players against Argentina. “They are really set on winning because we have beaten them a lot in the past.” Also Denis Kaliberda and Simon Hirsch will not be able to play due to injury.

Berlin born Westphal is looking forward to the two volleyball matches. “It’s always nice to come back to Berlin, friends and family are coming and I am looking forward to that.”